I-bed for cooperating personal electronic device

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an accessory that can be called an i-BED, for use with a cooperating portable electronic device (PED). The accessory includes a station that can support a PED, and also charge it in some embodiments. A cooperating PED transmits an action signal when it receives an incoming call or text. When the station senses the action signal, it further generates a human-perceptible indication to help notify the user, who might have walked away. The human-perceptible indication can include a call sound or a light signal. This way, when the PED is only vibrating, the call sound can be such that the station rings like a regular home telephone. As such, the user can keep the PED at the “Silent” annunciation mode continuously, confident that they will learn about a call, even if they do not have it on their person.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of patent application Ser. No.12/622,845 filed Nov. 20, 2009, titled “NOTIFYING STATIONS FOR PORTABLEELECTRONIC DEVICES AND METHODS,” which application claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/142,822 filed Jan. 6, 2009, titled“NOTIFYING STATIONS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND METHODS.” U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/622,845 is also a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/682,675, filed on Mar. 6, 2007, andentitled “NOTIFYING STATIONS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES ANDMETHODS,” which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,751,852 on Jul. 6, 2010. Allof these patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to the field of accessories forPortable Electronic Devices (PEDs) such as cellphones and PDAs, and morespecifically to devices and methods for supporting a PED and notifying auser who may not longer be carrying the PED.

2. Description of the Related Art

Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) such as cell phones, personal digitalassistants (PDAs), and the like are proliferating. A number of them canperform wireless communication, such as permit the user to conduct atelephone conversation, exchange emails or text messages, and so on.Such activities are often via an interface of the device, which canconduct a dialogue with the user, and so on.

In a number of instances, these activities start with an event, such asa PED receiving a telephone call, or receiving an email or text message.For these instances, PEDs notify the users of the event, such as byproducing a sound or a vibration, depending on the annunciation modethat the user has chosen. Examples are now described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a mobile telephone 100, as it might be carried ona belt 110 of a user (not shown). Mobile telephone 100 is on standby,meaning that it is on, but the user is not using it to conduct awireless telephone call. Mobile telephone 100 can be set in anyannunciation mode 136, which can be either to ring (“Normal”), or tovibrate (“Silent”), if it is to notify its user that it received awireless signal.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of mobile telephone 100, while receiving a telephonecall via a wireless signal 240. For purposes of FIG. 2, mobile telephone100 has been placed by the user in a “Normal” annunciation mode 236, andtherefore rings 250 to notify the user. Ringing 250 can be by generatinga ring tone.

This ringing 250 has been undesirable in some settings, where peoplemust keep quiet. These settings are not just theaters, but sometimesalso the workplace. For example, ring tones alone can distractcoworkers. Accordingly, the “Silent” annunciation mode has beenimplemented, as described below.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of mobile telephone 100, while receiving a telephonecall via a wireless signal 340. For purposes of FIG. 3, mobile telephone100 has been placed by the user in a “Silent” annunciation mode 336, andtherefore it vibrates 350 to notify the user, instead of ringing.

PEDs permit the user to change the annunciation mode, from “Normal” 236to “Silent” 336 and back. So, nominally, they can change it to “Silent”336 every time they enter a place where they have to keep quiet, andback to “Normal” 236 every time they exit such a place.

A problem arises from the fact that it is the user who is required tokeep transitioning the PED between the different annunciation modes.Sometimes they forget, resulting in embarrassment if their phone ringswhen it should not. Others give up, especially when they realize thatthey can still perceive the vibration, and do not need the ringing ofthe “Normal” annunciation mode 236. So, they just leave the phone in the“Silent” annunciation mode 336. When they go home, they turn it off, andinstead rely on the land line of the home telephone for their telephoneconversations.

In some instances, however, they forget to turn off the mobiletelephone. As seen in FIG. 4, mobile telephone 100 has been left on asurface 401, such as a table or a desk. Upon receiving a signal 440,mobile telephone 100 vibrates 350 to notify the user. But the user couldhave walked to another room, and will miss the call because they willnot feel the vibration or hear a ringing.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes these problems and limitations of theprior art.

Generally, the present invention provides accessories for one or moreportable electronic devices (PEDs), and related methods. Theseaccessories are also known as stations for the PEDs. In someembodiments, a station supports a PED, and senses an action signalgenerated by the PED, when the PED would be notifying its user about awireless signal that is received from a remote transmitter. When thestation so senses, it further generates a human-perceptible indicationto help notify the user, who might have walked away. Thehuman-perceptible indication can include, for example, a call sound, alight signal, etc. The station can also transmit station signals to thePED, such as status signals, and so on.

The invention further provides PEDs that transmit PED signals intendedfor such stations. The PED signals include action signals, a dockingsignal, and others for their communication.

In some embodiments, the call sound can be such that the station canring like a regular home telephone when the PED is only vibrating. Theuser can thus keep the PED at the “Silent” annunciation mode, withouthaving to remember to change the mode every time they leave the PED onthe station, and every time they take it back. Therefore, it would beless necessary for a user to have a separate telephone line for thehome, at least for voice communications. And since they can take themobile telephone with them when they leave, they need have, and pay for,only one telephone number.

In some embodiments, the light signal can be such that the stationlights up when the PED is only vibrating. This way, coworkers will bedistracted less.

Stations according to optional embodiments can be also stations forcharging a battery of the PED. Charging can be via wires or wirelessly.

The invention will become more readily apparent from the followingDetailed Description, which proceeds with reference to the drawings, inwhich:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a mobile telephone, as it might be carried by auser.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the mobile telephone of FIG. 1 in a “Normal”annunciation mode, while receiving a telephone call, and ringing tonotify the user.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the mobile telephone of FIG. 1 in a “Silent”annunciation mode, while receiving a telephone call and vibrating tonotify the user.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the mobile telephone of FIG. 1, in the “Silent”annunciation mode of FIG. 3, while it is no longer carried, andreceiving a telephone call and vibrating.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram of components of a station for supporting aPortable Electronic Device (PED) according to embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 5B is a diagram of a first sample time profile of an action signalgenerated by a PED of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a diagram of a second sample time profile of an action signalgenerated by a PED of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D is a diagram of a third sample time profile of an action signalgenerated by a PED of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5E is a diagram of a fourth sample time profile of an action signalgenerated by a PED of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a station according to embodiments that have abody with an underside suitable for being supported on a horizontalsurface.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a station according to embodiments that have abody adapted to be hung on a wall.

FIG. 8A is a diagram of a station according to embodiments where thebody supports a PED on a top side.

FIG. 8B is a diagram of a station body according to embodiments wherethe body supports a PED by tension.

FIG. 8C is a diagram of a station according to embodiments where thebody has a cavity for supporting a PED.

FIG. 8D is a diagram of a station body according to embodiments wherethe body has a cavity for a PED, and supports it also by tension.

FIG. 8E is a diagram of a station body according to embodiments wherethe body has a cavity for a PED, and supports it without tension.

FIG. 8F is a diagram of a station body according to embodiments wherethe body has a cavity for a PED, and where the cavity has a shapedesigned to receive the PED snugly.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a station according to embodiments where the bodyhas a base and a receptacle for supporting a PED.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a station according to embodiments where thebody has a base and a receptacle for supporting a PED.

FIG. 11A is a block diagram of components of a station for supporting aPED according to optional embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11B is a block diagram of components of a station for supporting aPED according to other optional embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12A is a diagram of a scene where a user is away from a building,and carries a PED upon their person.

FIG. 12B is a diagram of a scene where a user is in the building of FIG.12A, and has left their PED on a station with the components of thestation of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 13 is the diagram of an embodiment of the station of FIG. 12B,except the supported PED is also receiving a wireless signal andvibrating because of it.

FIG. 14 is the diagram of an embodiment of the station of FIG. 12B,except the supported PED is also receiving a wireless signal and ringingbecause of it.

FIG. 15 is the diagram of an embodiment of the station of FIG. 12B,except the supported PED is also receiving a wireless signal andvibrating because of it.

FIG. 16 is the diagram of an embodiment of the station of FIG. 12B,except the supported PED is also receiving a wireless signal and ringingbecause of it.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating methods according to embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 14, which is being usedto support concurrently two PEDs.

FIG. 19A is a diagram of a sample four-seat embodiment, which has twoPEDs docked on it, and a third PED is being placed on it.

FIG. 19B is a diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 19A, at a later timeduring which one of the docked PEDs is receiving a call.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As has been mentioned, the present invention provides stationscooperating with one or more portable electronic devices (PEDs). Theinvention is now described in more detail.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, a set of components is shown for a station 500made according to embodiments. Station 500 is for a Portable ElectronicDevice (PED) 555, which can be as a mobile telephone, a Personal DigitalAssistant, and so on. PED 555 can be made either according to the priorart, or according to embodiments. Station 500 can also be called acalling docking station 500 or simply a calling dock 500 for PED 555.

PED 555 includes an antenna operable to receive a wireless signal 540,such as in conjunction with receiving a telephone call or a textmessage. The wireless signal is received from a remote transmitter, suchas those used by telephone companies for mobile telephones. Thosetransmitters can be hundreds or a few thousands of feet away from PED555. As such, PED 555 does not receive the wireless signal from station500 itself, in other words, station 500 is not the base of a hometelephone that is portable.

PED 555 also includes a PED mechanism to operate for notifying a userabout the received wireless signal. The PED mechanism can include avibration mechanism for causing a vibration, or a PED speaker forgenerating a ring tone, or both.

In addition, according to comment 557, PED 555 is able to generate anaction signal responsive to receiving wireless signal 540. This actionsignal is not perceptible by humans. Various examples of the actionsignal are described later in this document.

Station 500 includes a body 510 for supporting PED 555. Body 510 can bemade in a number of ways, as will be seen later in this document.

Station 500 also includes a sensor 520. Sensor 520 can be providedseparately from body 510. In the preferred embodiment, however, sensor520 is incorporated within body 510. It can be incorporated as aseparate device, or as part of a circuit that is described later in thisdocument.

Sensor 520 is adapted to sense the generation of the action signal. Inaddition sensor 520 is adapted to output a call signal CS responsive toso sensing. Sensor 520 may be made in any number of ways, especiallywith a view to better and more reliably sensing the operation of the PEDmechanism. These ways are correlated with the nature of the actionsignal that is sensed. Various examples are now described.

In general, the action signal can be a signal transmitted by prior artPEDs, which is sensed by sensor 520. In some embodiments, PEDs are madeaccording to the invention, which transmit custom action signals tofurther control stations made according to embodiments. In addition,while signals are described individually, that is only for convenience.In fact, a single PED can transmit more than one action signals, whichcan be of the same or different nature, dimension, timing, and so on.

In some embodiments, the action signal is a wireless signal. Itsgeneration can be sensed by a wireless detector. In others, the actionsignal is wired, and its generation is sensed via at least oneelectrical contact between the sensor and the PED.

In some embodiments, the action signal is transmitted by the PED. Insome embodiments, the generation of the action signal is sensed by thesensor sensing directly the action signal.

In other embodiments, the generation of the action signal is sensed bythe sensor indirectly. In other words, the generation of the actionsignal is not sensed itself, but one of its results is sensed. In someof these embodiments, the action signal is generated internally by thePED.

In one embodiment, as will be seen later in this document, the PED has abattery that is being charged by the station. Charging presents an inputimpedance to the station. The action signal causes a modulation on theinput impedance. This applies whether charging is via conductors, orinductive.

Sample time profiles of the action signal are now described. It will beappreciated that the signal serving as the action signal is one that canbe used by sensor 520. It can be an existing signal of an existing PED,or it can be a PED made according to embodiments with a custom signalfor controlling the station.

FIG. 5B is a diagram of a first sample time profile of an action signalAS1, which can be generated by PED 555. Action signal AS1 is not beinggenerated prior to receiving wireless signal 540—in fact it has a valueof zero. Upon sensing wireless signal 540, action signal AS1 isgenerated.

In some embodiments, the PED generates a host signal that is notdependent on receiving the wireless signal. In these, the action signalis a modulation superimposed on the host signal. An example is nowdescribed.

FIG. 5C is a diagram of a second sample time profile of an action signalAS2, which can be generated by PED 555. A host signal HS2 has a nonzerovalue prior to wireless signal 540 being received. A modulation AS2 issuperimposed on host signal HS2, upon sensing wireless signal 540. Inthis example, modulation AS2 is positive, but it could be negative aswell.

In some embodiments, it is desired that there be prematching between aPED and a station according to embodiments. In those, the action signalcan encode a message. A station notifier, which will be described laterin this document, can generate the human-perceptible indication only ifthe message meets a preset criterion. Or it can activate a customfeature, and so on. An example is now described.

FIG. 5D is a diagram of a third sample time profile of an action signalAS3, which can be generated by PED 555. Action signal AS3 encodes amessage in variations. The message can be one of identification betweenthe PED and the station. Performance, in whole or in part, can bepredicated on the identification being successful. Or the message can beone of invoking a custom ringing feature as the human-perceptibleindication, for example if the PED needs charging. This can be performedwithout the PED spending its little remaining charge ringing.

In some embodiments, the message is one of at least two possiblemessages. The human-perceptible indication is different, depending uponwhich of the two messages is encoded. An example is now described.

FIG. 5E is a diagram of a fourth sample time profile of an action signalAS4, which can be generated by PED 555. Action signal AS4 includes afalling-sawtooth wave that could cause a first type of ringing by thestation. A rising-sawtooth wave could cause a first type of ringing bythe station, and so on.

In all these examples, the action signal was sudden, which can bedetected easily by detector 520. This is preferred, but not required.For example, the action signal can have a time profile that risesslowly, or stays above a low threshold for some time, and sensor 520 caninclude an integrator that captures the difference over time. Plus, anaction signal according to embodiments can include elements of all theseprofiles.

Returning to FIG. 5A, station 500 also includes a station notifier 530.Station notifier 530 can be made so that it generates ahuman-perceptible indication, responsive to call signal CS. As will beseen in more detail later in this document, in some embodiments stationnotifier 530 can include a station speaker, in which case thehuman-perceptible further indication includes a call sound. In otherembodiments, station notifier 530 can include a station light, in whichcase the human-perceptible indication includes a light signal. Moreover,notifier 530 can include a combination of two or more of these and otheritems, and so one.

Station notifier 530 can be provided separately from body 510. In thepreferred embodiments, however, a station speaker is incorporated withinbody 510, while a station light is provided at a surface of body 510.

As has already been mentioned, body 510 can be made in any number ofways and configurations. Some configurations are for body 510 to bestandalone, or be placed in a home. In other configurations, body 510can be, along with its supported PED, in a briefcase or a lady's purse,or an automobile. Body 510 can be standalone, for taking in and out ofthe briefcase or purse or automobile, or be integrated with thebriefcase or purse or automobile. In these configurations, body 510 ispreferably made such that it will host PED 555 more securely, withoutletting it fall off, if the briefcase or purse or automobile movessuddenly.

For constructing body 510, materials include, by way of example and notof limitation, plastics and metal, and in general materials similar tothose for making home telephones. Two main configurations are nowdescribed.

Referring to FIG. 6, a body 610 of a station according to an embodimentincludes an underside 611 that has a substantially flat portion. Assuch, body 610 can be supported on a horizontal surface 601, which canbe a kitchen counter, a night stand, a table top, or any surface someonemight place a home telephone on. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the entireunderside 611 is flat, but that is not necessary.

In some embodiments, not shown in FIG. 6, underside 611 also includesfeet, which can be made from rubber, plastic or other suitable material.The feet prevent body 610 from sliding on, or scratching surface 601.

Referring to FIG. 7, a body 710 of a station according to an embodimentincludes a feature 712 for hanging base 710 on a wall 701. Feature 712can be made in any number of ways, some learned from how home telephonedevices are made. For example, feature 712 can be a hole for nailing anail therethrough, or for anchoring body 710 at the head of a screw.

Referring back to FIG. 5A, and as mentioned above, body 510 can be madein any number of ways, for supporting PED 555. A number of such ways arenow described. Other portions of this document, which describe otheraspects of the invention, may iconically show a PED simply on a station,but that is only by way of example, and not of limitation. In thoseportions, it is meant that the PED maybe supported by the station in anynumber of ways.

In most embodiments, the station defines explicitly a PED space for thePED to be received at. Where it is so defined, the PED space can also becalled a “PED seat”, or simply “seat”. The PED seat can be designed witha view to sensing the action signal, and so on. The seat can even have adrawing or instruction, explicit or implicit, for suggesting placing PED555 there. In some embodiments, the placement will be suggested by theshape or configuration of the PED seat, and of the remainder of thedevice.

FIG. 8A is a diagram of a station 800 according to an embodiment.Station 800 has a body 810, with a designated PED seat 811 forsupporting PED 555. Seat 811 is on a top surface of body 810, which issubstantially flat. PED 555 is held in seat 811 by friction, for exampleby a rubber surface 815 on seat 811. Rubber surface 815 prevents PED 555from displacing itself off of seat 811, as it vibrates. In addition, ifstation 800 includes also a charger for PED 555, rubber surface 815 isshaped so that it does not get in the way of charging.

Another set of station embodiments hold PED 555 to the station bytension. The tension can be implemented by spring loading, snug fit, andso on. These embodiments are particularly suitable where the station ofthe invention may be moved, as is the case when the station will be in abriefcase, in a lady's purse, or in an automobile. Examples are nowdescribed.

FIG. 8B is a diagram of a station body 820 according to an embodiment. Amovable member 822 secures PED 555 to body 820, at least in part. Member822 is either a cover, or an arm, and so on. In the shown embodiment,member 822 exerts a tension 824 so as to bias PED 555 towards body 820.Member 822 can be spring loaded. In other embodiments, member 822 canclasp with a portion of body 820. In some of the clasping embodiments,fitting of PED 555 is snug.

FIG. 8C is a diagram of a station body 830 according to an embodiment.Body 830 has a PED seat 831 with a cavity 837 for supporting therein PED555. Using a cavity has advantages. First, designing with a cavity maymake for a simpler embodiment than with the moveable member of FIG. 8B.Second, a cavity provides for more predictability of where PED 555 willend up with respect to body 810, and thus also with respect to wheresensor 520 (not shown in FIG. 8B) should be located within body 830. Thepredictability will be because a first time user is more likely tounderstand where exactly PED 555 is to be placed. Third, PED 555 willtend to gravitate towards a bottom of cavity 837.

Cavity 837 may be made with any number of shapes. For example, it can betrough shaped, hole shaped, shallow or deep, and so on. An embodimentwith a cavity can be made while at the same time supporting the PEDtherein under tension or not. Plus, a rubber surface can be provided inthe interior of the cavity, for supporting thereon PED 555, such as wasshown with rubber surface 815.

FIG. 8D is a diagram of a station body 840 according to an embodiment.Body 840 has a PED seat 841 for receiving PED 555. Seat 841 includes acavity 847, for inserting PED 555 therein. Once PED 555 has beeninserted in cavity 847, it is held in place also under tension 844,provided by a spring 842. The action of inserting PED 555 in cavity 847amounts to sheathing it. A part of the cavity has a portion that ismovable under tension 844, when PED 555 is inserted or removed. Themoveable portion can be made from the same materials that are moveablyconnected to each other, or flexible materials, and so on.

A design that holds PED 555 in place, such as the design of FIG. 8D, isthe preferred embodiment for where the station of the invention may bemoved, as is the case when the station will be in a briefcase, in alady's purse, or in an automobile. Especially in the case of anautomobile, body 840 can be integrated with the vehicle, at a locationsuitable for sheathing by the driver or passengers. The size of theopening of cavity 847 can be initially adjustable, to prepare fordifferent size PEDs, and so on. The placement of spring 842 also reduceshow many moving parts are exposed to the user, whose attention may beelsewhere. This design can be implemented together with a charger, ornot. If not, it should be noted that PED 555 can be inserted upsidedown, so as to leave any connections at its underside exposed forcharging by other means. Other parts of the station can be implementedby other portions of the automobile, such as the speakers, and so on. Inthe automobile case, other components of the invention can be integratedwith other parts of the automobile.

FIG. 8E is a diagram of a station body 850 according to an embodiment.Body 850 has a PED seat 851 for receiving PED 555. Seat 851 includes acavity 857, for inserting PED 555 therein. Once PED 555 has beenreceived in cavity 857, it is supported by its weight, but withouttension.

FIG. 8F is a diagram of a station body 860 according to an embodiment.Body 860 has a PED seat 861 for receiving PED 555. Seat 851 includes acavity 867, for inserting PED 555 therein. Cavity 867 has a shape thatis designed to receive PED 555 snugly. In other words, cavity 867 has ashape that substantially matches a shape of PED 555 enough for asubstantially snug fit. The snug fit will make it easier to detect thevibration. However, the shape of cavity 867 preferably does not matchthe entire perimeter of PED 555, to allow for grasping PED 555, forextracting it from cavity 867.

In some embodiments, the body of a station has at least two mechanicalcomponents. One such component is a base, intended for supporting thebody in its environment. For example, what was written above for thebody being supported on a surface or a wall applies equally well to thebase.

The other component is a receptacle, which is adapted for supporting thePED. For example, what was written above for the body supporting the PEDapplies equally well to the receptacle. For instance, it can have a topsurface that is flat or includes a cavity. Or any other shape suitablefor receiving PED 555.

The base and the receptacle can be provided in a number ofconfigurations. Two sample such configurations are illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 9, a body 910 has a base 914, and a receptacle 916that is above base 914. Base 914 is supported on horizontal surface 901.Receptacle 916 is adapted to receive and support PED 555 as per theabove. In the example of FIG. 9, receptacle 916 does not include acavity, but that is only by example, not limitation.

Referring to FIG. 10, a body 1010 has a base 1014, and a receptacle 1016that is to the side of base 1014. Base 914 is supported on a wall 1001.Receptacle 1016 is adapted to receive and support PED 555 as per theabove. In the example of FIG. 10, receptacle 1016 also includes anoptional cavity 1017.

FIG. 11A is a block diagram of components of a station 1100 forsupporting PED 555 according to optional embodiments of the invention.Station 1100 includes a body 1110, which can be made as described abovefor such a body.

Station 1100 includes a sensor 1120, which can be as described forsensor 520, and adapted as necessary for the included optionalcomponents. Sensor 1120 generates call signal CS, when it senses thegeneration of action signal AS. In addition, station 1100 includes astation notifier 1130, which can be as described for station notifier530. Notifier 1130 can output a human-perceptible indication responsiveto call signal CS.

Station 1100 also optionally includes a power supply module 1115. Module1115 supplies the electrical power needs of the components seen in FIG.11A, such as powering an operation of station notifier 1130, and so on.Module 1115 can be implemented within body 1110.

Power supply module 1115 can be implemented in any number of ways, aswill be discerned by a person skilled in the art. For example, in someembodiments, module 1115 is a battery, while in others it is atransformer for converting electrical power, such as from a wall outletto DC.

In some embodiments, station 1100 can also be a station for charging abattery of PED 555. Charging can be wirelessly, or by wires, as will bedescribed in more detail later, with reference to FIG. 11B. Moreover,the charging operation can optionally be combined with an operation ofstation 1100.

In some embodiments, charging can be wirelessly. Wireless charging isperformed by further adapting PED 555 to harvest powering wirelesssignals, such as RF waves and/or magnetic waves. Embodiments forcharging PED 555 wirelessly include a local transmitter of such poweringwireless signals. Such a local wireless powering transmitter 1144 can beprovided close to station 1100, or within it, and can optionally andpreferably be powered by module 1115.

Station 1100 optionally and preferably includes a circuit 1122. Circuit1122 senses call signal CS, and in response generates a notifier signalNS for driving station notifier 1130. Action signal AS can be internalto circuit 1122.

Circuit 1122 can be made in any way known for circuits, such as with aprinted circuit board (PCB), integrated circuit, microprocessor, customprocessor, Digital Signal Processing, and the like. In some embodiments,circuit 1122 includes or is provided jointly with others of thecomponents shown in FIG. 11A.

In some embodiments, station 1100 includes an identifier 1124.Identifier 1124 acts as a filter to what sensor 1120 senses, andcontrols so that the human-perceptible indication is generated fromstation notifier 1130, but not generated when another event is sensed bysensor 1120. Other such events are thus filtered out, without causingstation notifier 1130 to ring when it should not. For example,identifier 1124 can identify whether a signal is a legitimate actionsignal.

Identifier 1124 may be implemented in a number of different ways. Forexample, in analog embodiments, it can identify time profiles such asthose of FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5E. A digital embodiment can identify a timeprofile such as that of FIG. 5D.

In addition, a sensor training actuator 1126 can be provided, which canbe actuated when PED 555 is supported and vibrating. Actuator 1126informs identifier 1124, or circuit 1122, when a legitimate event isindeed taking place, for the device to be trained. For example, ifidentifier 1124 is indeed used, it can adjust its pass bandwidth towardsa frequency component with the largest amplitude. This way, other eventswill be excluded more reliably, and false notifications will beprevented. In operation, PED 555 can be supported by body 1110, andcalled. While ringing or vibrating, sensor training actuator 1126 can beactuated. If sensor training actuator 1126 is indeed provided, it can bemarked with the designation “SET”, or “SET FOR DEVICE”, etc.

In addition, un-training can be provided for identifier 1124, for thereverse operation of sensor training actuator 1126. This can be adifferent actuator, which can be marked as “RESET”, and so on.

Station 1100 optionally also includes a station notifier testingactuator 1138. This can be an actuator for the user to test whetherstation notifier 1130 works. So, station notifier testing actuator 1138can cause the human-perceptible indication to be generated when the PEDmechanism is not sensed by sensor 1120 as operating. In some embodimentsthat is while PED 555 is supported by body 1110, or even if no PED issupported by body 1110. In the preferred embodiment, station notifiertesting actuator operates by simulating or duplicating notifier signalNS.

Station notifier 1130 operates responsive to call signal CS, or itsderivative notifier signal NS, when PED 555 is sensed as vibrating orringing. Station notifier 1130 can be made in any number of ways.

In some embodiments, station notifier 1130 includes a station speaker1132, which generates a call sound as its human-perceptible indication.The call sound can be akin to a ring tone for cell phones, beprogrammable, and so on. It is preferred that the human-perceptibleindication be approximately as loud as that of a telephone of a home oran office, since station 1100 is to support PED 555 at a home or office.

Station 1100 optionally also includes a volume controller 1134, foradjusting a volume of the call sound. Volume controller 1134 can be aknob that controls station speaker 1132. It is preferred to set thiswhile operating station notifier testing actuator 1138.

Volume controller 1134 can have a setting all the way down to zerovolume. In addition, or alternately, a disable switch can be providedfor station speaker 1132. This way, office environments can beaccommodated with no sound. In such embodiments, it is preferred thatstation notifier 1130 had another ways of notifying the user. Thedisable switch can be a switch that is set once for all calls.Alternately, it can be used for discontinuing the notification for asingle call, if it is desired to ignore it, and in which case stationspeaker 1132 would again emit a sound to notify the user for the nextcall.

In some embodiments, station notifier 1130 includes a station light1136, which generates a light signal as its human-perceptibleindication. This is preferred for environments where ringing is notdesired, such as offices. This is also preferably provided for stationsthat are for multiple PEDs, as will be seen below, so that someoneresponding to a call can tell more quickly which of the PEDs rang.

In some embodiments, station notifier 1130 includes both a volumecontroller 1134, and a station light 1136. In addition, it can include aswitch to decide which of them is to notify, and so on.

Station 1100 furthermore optionally includes a docking detector 1150.Docking detector 1150 can detect that PED 555 is indeed supported bybody 1100. Docking detector 1150 can be implemented in any suitable way,such as with a pressure sensor, a proximity detector, a detector of RFemitted by PED 555 when it is on, and so on. In addition, dockingdetector 1150 can be implemented by a switch that is normally in a firststate when PED 555 is not supported by the body, and is at a secondstate when PED 555 is supported by the body. For example, it can benormally open when PED 555 is not supported by the body, and close whenPED 555 is supported by the body, or vice versa. For example, the switchcan close between a receptacle and a base, or close when PED 555 isplaced in a cavity, for example if a bottom panel of the cavity ismoveable, and so on.

In embodiments where PED 555 has been made so as to cooperate withstation 1100, docking detector 1150 can even be activated by a specificsignal from PED 555, which can be a docking signal. What is writtenabove for the nature of the action signal can also apply to such adocking signal. For example, it can be a signal sensed from a prior artPED, or a custom docking signal, and so on.

An output of docking detector 1150 can control when station notifier1130 generates the human-perceptible indication. Accordingly, in someembodiments, station notifier 1130 cannot generate the human-perceptibleindication unless docking detector 1150 detecting that PED 555 issupported by body 1110.

Station 1100 additionally optionally includes a docking indicator 1155.Docking indicator 1155 can be actuated when docking detector 1150detects that PED 555 is supported by body 1100. Docking indicator 1155can be a light, emitting light when actuated, or a speaker, emitting asound when actuated.

In some embodiments, docking indicator 1155 can be implemented bystation notifier 1130 itself. In other words, station notifier 1130 alsodoubles as docking indicator 1155, whether it is implemented by speaker1132, station light 1136, or both. More particularly, station notifier1130 is operable to generate the human-perceptible indication alsoresponsive to the docking detector detecting that the PED is supportedby the body. The human-perceptible indication can be the same indicationor different, from when the PED mechanism is being used. For example, ifspeaker 1132 is used also this way, it can ring only once, briefly, andnot very loudly, upon docking PED 555 at it.

Docking indicator 1155 is intended to provide comfort to the user, whowill observe that station 1100 detects immediately that PED 555 has beenplaced there. This way, the user will have more trust that station 1100works, and will rings or vibrate, when PED 555 receives a call.

While detecting that PED 555 is supported by body 1100, dockingindicator 1155 can operate in a number of ways. In some embodiments, itcan operate continuously. For example, if it includes a light, it canemit light continuously. In other embodiments, docking indicator 1155can operate for a short time, responsive to detecting that the PED hasstarted being supported by the body. But then docking indicator 1155 canstop operating. For example, a speaker can be used to emit a briefsound, or a light can blink a few times. This can serve as adequateconfirmation to the user that PED 555 has been docked. If dockingindicator 1155 ahs stopped operating, then it might again operatebriefly as PED 555 is being removed.

In addition, if local wireless powering transmitter 1144 is indeedimplemented, it can operate responsive to docking detector 1150detecting that PED 555 is supported by the body.

Station 1100 moreover optionally includes a memory 1170, as mentionedabove. Memory 1170 can store instructions as to how station 1100 is tooperate, data from its operation, and so on. Memory 1170 can beimplemented in any number of ways. For example, it can be part of thememory of a processor that operates the functions of station 1100. Or itcan be implemented separately from such a processor.

Station 1100 additionally optionally includes a data port 1175. Dataport 1175 can be for wired transfer of data, such as a USB port. Or itcan be for wireless transfer of data. Data port 1175 can be used forexporting data stored in memory 1170, receiving data that is to bestored in the memory, or both.

In some embodiments, memory 1170 can store data relative to the dockingdetector 1150 detecting that PED 555 is supported by the body. Forexample, it can store times at which PED 555 was docked and undocked onstation 1100, whether it was recognized as a PED pre-matched to station1100, the times a call was received, e.g. by sensing notifier signal NS,and so on.

In some embodiments, memory 1170 can store sound data, for laterreproduction by a speaker of station 1100, to notify of a call received.That speaker can be speaker 1132 or a different speaker. Such sound datacan be a custom ring tone. The sound data can be imported electronicallythrough data port 1175, or via a microphone 1178, which can convert areceived sound message to sound data.

FIG. 11B is a block diagram of components of a station 1180 forsupporting another PED 1190, according to other optional embodiments ofthe invention. Station 1180 includes a body 1182, which can be made asdescribed above for body 1110. In addition, station 1180 includes manycomponents made as was described above with reference to FIG. 11A. Whatis different is that PED 1190 is being charged by wires, not wirelessly.In this embodiment, station 1180 has been combined with an adapter.Power supply module 1115 is implemented by a transformer that is adaptedto advantageously both power station 1100 and charge PED 1190.

Body 1182 defines a seat 1181. Station 1180 can include conductorcontacts for a PED that is in seat 1181. Of those, conductor contacts1185 are for powering PED 1190, and optional conductor contact 1187 canbe for communicating other information with it, such as action signalAS, a docking signal, and so on. As PED 1190 is docked at station 1180,the conductor contacts of station 1180 can make mating connection withrespective conductor contacts 1195, 1197 of PED 1190. The connection canbe made the same way as when a PED is plugged into its charger.

Power supply 1115 feeds power to PED 1190 through conductor contacts1185 and 1195. In addition, station 1180 optionally includes chargingswitch 1184. Charging switch 1184 may be controlled as is desired, forexample by docking detector 1150.

A station according to embodiments is an accessory for a PED, in thesame way that a charger is an accessory. In fact, in some embodiments,the station is integrated with the charger, as seen above.

In some embodiments, a station according to embodiments is not matchedto work with a specific PED, such as PED 555. It is generic, and canwork with a variety of PEDs. In addition, an identifier such asidentifier 1124 can help train the station for that matching.

In other embodiments, a station according to embodiments is prematchedto work with a specific PED, such as 555. The prematched station can besold together with the PED, as an accompanying accessory. In others, itcan designate which PED(s) it supports, for users to purchase.

Prematching can be either mechanical, or electrical, or both. Mechanicalprematching can be, for example, by the shape of a cavity, for receivingthe PED. Electrical prematching means that the identifier is attuned inadvance, and so on.

More features can be added this way. For example, if a station isprematched to a specific PED, and a different PED is inserted, thestation can give an appropriate notification, and so on.

Operations of the invention are now described.

FIG. 12A is a diagram of a scene 1205. A user 1208 is away from abuilding 1207, which could be their home or office. User 1208 carriesPED 555 upon their person, and can thus receive calls.

As seen in the detail, in building 1207 there is a surface 1201, such asthe top of a table, a counter, etc. A station 1200 made according toembodiments is on surface 1201. In addition, an optional telephone 1266is provided on surface 1201, which uses a land line for its connection.FIG. 12A shows telephone 1266 as optional, to better illustrate how, incertain circumstances, it is rendered obsolete by the present invention.

In FIG. 12A, while user 1208 is away from building 1207, he does notneed telephone 1266, or its land line, at least for voice communication.If telephone 1266 is indeed provided, it can receive calls, but the userwill not be there to take them. Telephone 1266 can receive messages, ascan PED 555.

FIG. 12B is a diagram of a scene 1206. Scene 1206 is similar to scene1205, except that user 1208 is now in building 1207. PED 555 is nowsupported on station 1200, and can thus receive calls. Plus, because ofstation 1200, user 1208 can hear PED 555 ring, even if user 1208 hasstepped to the next room, depending on the setting of volume controller1134. If station 1200 has been placed at a central location within thepremises of building 1208, its ringing may cover the entire premises.This, without the user needing to carry PED 555 on their person while atthe premises.

In FIG. 12B, user 1208 can also receive a telephone call at telephone1266, instead of at PED 555. Telephone 1266 adds value to the user wherethe premises are large, by ringing at multiple locations. And, for thatadditional value, the user pays every month for the cost of the landline.

Accordingly, as mentioned above, some users can save on monthly fees.More particularly, if they live in modest-sized premises, they needpurchase station 1200 once for their PED. Then they can discontinue theland line for voice purposes.

The operation of station 1200 is now examined in more detail, in theevent a wireless signal is received by PED 555 supported thereon.

FIG. 13 is the diagram of a station 1300 according to an embodiment ofstation 1200 of FIG. 12B, and in the same situation, except supportedPED 555 is also receiving a wireless signal 1340, and vibrates 350because of it. According to a comment 1357, an action signal AS isgenerated upon receiving wireless signal 1340. In the example of FIG.13, station 1300 can sense the generation of action signal AS, andtherefore rings 1350, for example as if it were a home telephone.

FIG. 14 is the diagram of a station 1400 according to an embodiment ofstation 1200 of FIG. 12B, and in the same situation, except supportedPED 555 is also receiving a wireless signal 1440, and rings 250 becauseof it. According to a comment 1457, an action signal AS is generatedupon receiving wireless signal 1440. In the example of FIG. 14, station1400 can sense the generation of action signal AS, and therefore againrings 1450, for example as if it were a home telephone.

FIG. 15 is the diagram of a station 1500 according to an embodiment ofstation 1200 of FIG. 12B, and in the same situation, except supportedPED 555 is also receiving a wireless signal 1540, and vibrates 350because of it. According to a comment 1557, an action signal AS isgenerated upon receiving wireless signal 1540. In the example of FIG.15, the station notifier of station 1500 is a station light 1536.Station 1500 can sense the generation of action signal AS, and thereforestation light 1536 provides a light signal by lighting up 1550.

FIG. 16 is the diagram of a station 1600 according to an embodiment ofstation 1200 of FIG. 12B, and in the same situation, except supportedPED 555 is also receiving a wireless signal 1640, and rings 250 becauseof it. In the example of FIG. 16, the station notifier of station 1600is a station light 1636. According to a comment 1657, an action signalAS is generated upon receiving wireless signal 1640. Station 1600 cansense the generation of action signal AS, and therefore station light1636 provides a light signal by lighting up 1650.

FIG. 17 shows a flowchart 1700 for describing a method for a station.The method of flowchart 1700 may also be practiced by physicalembodiments described above, e.g. station 500, station 1100, and so on.

According to an optional operation 1710, it is detected whether a PED issupported by the station. If not, the process repeats, until there issuch detection. If or when there is such detection, according to anoptional next operation 1720, a docking indicator is actuated inresponse to the detection. As mentioned also above, such a dockingindicator can be audible or visible when actuated.

According to an optional operation 1730, a powering signal istransmitted to power the PED. The powering signal is wired or wireless.In the preferred embodiment, operation 1730 is performed only whenoperation 1710 detects that a PED is supported by the station, andresponsive to it.

According to an operation 1740, it is sensed whether a PortableElectronic Device (PED) has generated an action signal, in response tothe PED receiving a wireless signal. The wireless signal would bereceived from a transmitter at least 500 ft away from the station, andcan be in conjunction with receiving a telephone call or a text message.If not, the process repeats, until there is such sensing. Operation 1740can be implemented in any number of ways. For example, sensing caninclude signals emitted from prior art PEDs, or custom signals from PEDsaccording to embodiments.

According to a next operation 1750, a call signal is outputtedresponsive to the sensing of operation 1740.

According to a next operation 1760, a human-perceptible indication isgenerated responsive to the call signal. The human-perceptibleindication can be a call sound, a light signal, both, and so on. In someembodiments, the human-perceptible indication is generated only whilethe PED is detected as supported by the station, as per optionaloperation 1710.

Operations of a PED according to embodiments include generating anaction signal in a way that can be sensed by a station according toembodiments. The action signal can encode a message that is intended tocontrol the station, or activate custom features in it, or identify thePED to the station. In addition, a PED can transmit a docking signal toinform the station of its proximity and so on.

Moreover, the station can transmit station signals to the PED. Thesestation signals can be for status, for identifying, and so on. Forexample, a PED that knows, from station signals, that it is docked, neednot ring at all, upon receiving a call, and so on.

In all of the above embodiments, a single PED 555 was shown hosted ordocked on a single device. It should be appreciated that a user mighttry to host or dock multiple PEDs on a single station made according tothe invention.

Some stations according to the invention are made expressly for a singlePED. These are called single-seat, or one-seat, or one-seater. Otherstations are made according to embodiments for multiple PEDs, and can becalled a two-seater, four-seater, multi-seater, and so on. Seats can bedesigned so that each is intended nominally for one PED. But there is norequirement that seats be designated, or that a station according to theinvention indicate how many PEDs it is designed for. Plus, for purposesof describing multiple PEDs at a station, the above mentioned PED 555can be termed even more particularly the first PED, and any additionalPEDs can be accordingly termed the second PED, third PED, and so on.

FIG. 18 repeats the diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 14, but whichbeing used to support PED 555, along with one more PED 1856 at the sametime. Station 1400 may be either a single-seater, or a multiple seater,or not have seats designated at all. Even if station 1400 is expressly asingle seater, a user might simply try to host in the single seat twoPEDs, namely PED 555 together with PED 1856.

In the diagram of FIG. 18, PED 555 is receiving wireless signal 1440,and rings 250 because of it. It also generates an action signal. In theexample of FIG. 18, station 1400 can sense the generation of the actionsignal, and therefore again rings 1450, for example as if it were a hometelephone. Upon getting there, a person summoned will often be able totell which of PEDs 555 and 1856 is indeed the one ringing.

In addition, multiple-seater stations can be implemented according toembodiments, for expressly hosting multiple PEDs instead of just one. Insuch embodiments, the aspects included above for notifying that thefirst PED is using its PED mechanism can be either replicated or sharedfor use for notifying about the additional docked PEDs.

In multi-seater embodiments, the body can be adapted to host theadditional PEDs. For example, it can have individualized spaces, orseats, for receiving the PEDs. Designations can be added to indicate theseats, if desired. The designations can be with writing. A dockingdetector can be provided for each seat, or a single docking detector1150 can be used for PEDs in more than one of the seats. A dockingindicator can be provided for each seat, or a single docking indicatorcan be used to indicate that there is one PED in at least one of theseats.

In multi-seat embodiments, a sensor such as sensor 1120 can be shared,or there can be sensors for the PED of each seat. An identifier such asidentifier 1124 can be shared, or there can be sensors for the PED ofeach seat. Or a single identifier 1124 can instead be attuned torecognize the generation of more than one action signals. Attuning canbe from the factory, or by training A sensor training actuator such asactuator 1126 can be provided for multiple identifiers, or for multipletraining of an identifier that can recognize the generation of more thanone action signals. A circuit such as circuit 1122 can be shared, orthere can be circuits for the PED of each seat.

In multi-seat embodiments, a station notifier such as station notifier1130 can be shared, shared in part, or there can be station notifiersfor the PED of each seat. A station light such as station light 1136 canbe shared, or there can be station lights for the PED of each seat. Astation speaker such as station speaker 1132 can be shared, or there canbe station speakers for the PED of each seat. The human-perceptibleindication emitted from the one or more station notifiers can be thesame or different for the different PEDs vibrating or ringing.

An example of an expressly multi-seat embodiment is now described.

FIG. 19A is a diagram of a sample four-seat embodiment, where a station1900 has a body 1910. Station 1900 is suitable for accommodating fourPEDs, by having four seats 1911A, 1911B, 1911C, 1911D in body 1910.Seats 1911A, 1911B, 1911C, 1911D also have cavities, as is preferred,but not necessary. In addition, means for applying tension can be usedin conjunction with seats 1911A, 1911B, 1911C, 1911D, and so on.

FIG. 19A is further a snapshot of where a PED 1955A is in seat 1911A, aPED 1955D is in seat 1911D, and a PED 1955B has just been placed in seat1911B, as indicated by an arrow.

Station 1900 includes station lights 1936A, 1936B, 1936C, 1936D for PEDsin seats 1911A, 1911B, 1911C, 1911D, respectively. Station light 1936Bis lit, because PED 1955B is just being placed in seat 1911B. Stationlight 1936B will stop being lit after a few seconds, in this embodiment.

Station 1900 also includes a station speaker 1932 that corresponds toPEDs in all four seats. In the snapshot of FIG. 19A, speaker 1932 issilent. In another embodiment, speaker 1932 might emit an audiblemessage acknowledging that PED 1955B is just being placed in seat 1911B.

FIG. 19B is a diagram of station 1900 of FIG. 19A, at a later time. PED1955D, docked in seat 1911D, is receiving a call, and is ringing 250.Station light 1936D is lit, for example blinking, and station speaker1932 is ringing 1950. A user might hear ringing 1950 and approach. Thenthey can see that it is station light 1936D that is lit, and willtherefore know that PED 1955D is the one receiving the call. Multi-seatembodiments may have isolation between the seats, so that the sensor orone seat will not be affected by the action signal of a PED is aneighboring seat. But isolation may not be necessary if all sensorsoperate at once, and the one with the strongest signal is deemed to bethe one that is sensing the legitimate call.

A person skilled in the art will be able to practice the presentinvention in view of the description present in this document, which isto be taken as a whole. Numerous details have been set forth in order toprovide a more thorough understanding of the invention. In otherinstances, well-known features have not been described in detail inorder not to obscure unnecessarily the invention.

While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred form, thespecific embodiments as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to beconsidered in a limiting sense. Indeed, it should be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art in view of the present description that theinvention may be modified in numerous ways. The inventor regards thesubject matter of the invention to include all combinations andsubcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/orproperties disclosed herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A station for use with a PortableElectronic Device (PED) distinct from the station, the PED including anantenna operable to receive a wireless signal from a remote transmitterat least 500 feet away from the PED, the PED further able to generateinternally an action signal responsive to receiving the wireless signal,the action signal not being human perceptible, the action signalencoding a message, the station comprising: a body for supporting thePED; a sensor for sensing the generation of the action signal; and astation notifier for generating responsive to the action signal ahuman-perceptible indication if the encoded message meets a presetcriterion, but not if the encoded message does not meet the presetcriterion.
 2. The station of claim 1, in which the wireless signal isreceived in conjunction with receiving a telephone call.
 3. The stationof claim 1, in which the wireless signal is received in conjunction withreceiving a text message.
 4. The station of claim 1, further comprising:a mechanism for transferring energy to the battery of the PED when thePED is supported on the body.
 5. The station of claim 4, in which theenergy is transferred to the battery of the PED wirelessly, the batteryof the PED presents an input impedance when the energy is thus beingtransferred to it, and the action signal causes a modulation to theinput impedance.
 6. The station of claim 4, in which the energy istransferred to the battery of the PED via conductors.
 7. The station ofclaim 6, in which the battery of the PED presents an input impedancewhen the energy is thus being transferred to it, and the action signalcauses a modulation to the input impedance.